In a statement issued by the OYC Monday night, which was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National secretary and Engr Obinna Adibe, the national publicity secretary, the OYC described the death as a huge loss.

They recalled that “Col Achuzie led several Biafran units during the war, among which were the 11 Div, 13 Div, 15 Div and the Commando Unit of the Biafran Army at a point. He fought gallantly in the battles especially at Oguta, Abagana, Okigwe and Port Harcourt sectors of the war.”

“Ohanaeze youths will always remember that Col Ajuzie was fearless and instilled fear on his opponents. His bravery and suicidal features at war fronts earned him the title of Air Raid. With maternal root at Ezza in Ebonyi state and paternal root at Asaba in Delta state Col Joe Achuzie died defending Igbo cause and seeking for a just, equitable and fair Nigeria state.

“He was a one time Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, leader of Igbozurume, founding member of APGA, and at his latter days the Secretary General of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra. He believed that Ndigbo should be freed to answer Biafrans within a just Nigeria.

“Col Joe Achuzie died as a role model and a mentor to millions of Igbo youths and biafrans. When some Igbo leaders recently denounced biafra self determination in Lagos, Col Ajuzie roared and stood with the position of Ohanaeze Youths and cautioned those elders.

“Ndigbo, Biafrans, Africa and the world have lost a great warrior, fearless soldier and cerebral genius. With his death the rank of the top Commanders on both sides of the civil war has diminished”, it said in the statement.

They urged the Governors of South East to give Achuzie a befitting burial.